The five Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA jet ski pilots, who will be riding the entire 2800km’s of South Africa’s coastline from Mozambique to Namibia on Yamaha WaveRunners to raise funds and awareness for cancer, have spoken out about how healthy balanced lifestyle choices, as well as early detection, can decrease the risk of cancer.
Research has shown that up to 90% of cancers are caused by environmental factors, and only 10% of cancers are hereditary. Russel Symcox, leader of the SPAR and Acer-supported expedition, said that “these statistics therefore indicate that healthy balanced lifestyle choices play a major role in whether an individual will be susceptible to cancer”.
Smoking is the most obvious, and the most avoidable, cause of cancer. Over 44 000 South Africans die from tobacco-related diseases annually, and many more become ill from using tobacco products and inhaling second-hand smoke. “The fact is that most of these deaths are preventable, and all it takes is a decision to stop smoking” said Symcox.
South Africa is the nation with the second most instances of skin cancer, behind Australia. As the second most prevalent form of cancer in the country, with almost 20 000 new cases every year, skin cancer is a serious problem in a country where outdoor activities are a part of everyday life. Symcox said that “like tobacco-related cancers, skin cancer can also be prevented. The C2C4C crew are going to be exposed to the suns harsh rays almost every day for three weeks, and as such we are not taking the threat of skin cancer lightly. We will be using sunscreen products with the CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR) emblem”.
Wherever possible, it is important to cover up by wearing protective clothing or, at the very least applying sunscreen of at least SPF 20 (Sun Protection Factor) to all exposed skin areas, as well as avoiding direct sunlight in the danger period between 10am and 3pm.
Symcox said that “although it may be unavoidable in certain cases, there are decisions which you can make to lessen the chances of getting the disease, or at the very least ensuring that you increase your chances of making a rapid and full recovery. Such decisions include eating fresh fruit and vegetables each day, regular exercise, drinking plenty of fresh, clean water daily, and conducting regular self-examinations. It is also important to cover up in the sun or stay in the shade, don't smoke or use any tobacco products or drink more than one serving of alcohol per day. Avoid food that is fatty, sugary, salty or processed and limit meat and rather eat more fish, beans, lentils and soya products.”
CANSA recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Symcox added “Although physical activity can include housework, gardening, swimming, dancing, or walking – our way of ensuring we maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle will be riding Yamaha WaveRunners safely and raising awareness on cancer prevention”.
The official launch of the Coast2Coast4CANSA campaign supported by SPAR and Acer took place on April 9 at SunCoast Casino, ahead of the first jet ski leg which departs from Ponta Do Oura in Mozambique on 20 April. The expedition will see five jet ski pilots travel over 2800km in three Southern African countries in 4 weeks to raise funds and awareness for cancer.
The C2C4C jet ski pilots, Russel Symcox, Mark Addison, Barry Lewin, Jason Ribbink and Lance Klusener, will be spending between 3- 6 hours in the saddle almost every day during the four week campaign. Follow the progress of the Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA crew and the campaign on the official website www.coast2coast4cansa.co.za. To make a R10 donation to the campaign, simply SMS C2C4C to 38501 and join the fight against cancer. You can also donate online, visit www.cansa.org.za and follow the ‘donate’ links.
About The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (R4,5 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 51 offices as well as 11 interim homes countrywide.
(For more, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA or email: lbalona@cansa.org.za or call 011 616 7662 or cell: 082 459 5230. Toll-free 0800 22 66 22, www.cansa.org.za)
